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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 5, 2017 22:27:25 GMT -6
In MemoriesParticipants:
Starla Bell - misttheelf
Kiger - IcefireStarfire
SA Anniversary Collab (+6 FVR)
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 6, 2017 9:45:58 GMT -6
It was an early day for Starla, as she came out of the small workshop in the back of her store. She sighed slightly, as she started to re-arrange some of the stock for her new wares. Mixed in among some the simple, traditionally War Forged, adornments, one would be able to see a few pieces that were far more elaborate than what most of the herd would buy.
She sighed again, glancing towards the front of her store, where she also had a small rack full of preserved fruits and herbs. Things that wouldn't spoil. After all, there were sometimes months with no purchases of her jewelry. Perhaps today, something will sell? Well, that would require someone coming in who was interested. Well, even if nothing sold, Killian would be returning in about a month from his trip, if nothing had happened to him. She almost had a full shipment ready for him, for his next trip... She desperately hoped that her jewelry had piqued interest in the other herds, even if it wasn't what they would have expected. If it did, well.. Then she'll seek out some other traveling merchants, to see if they'll carry some of her wares. But for now... Well, she was making a living. And that was enough.
Word count: 214 Post 1
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 6, 2017 23:47:47 GMT -6
Kiger
The day outside had dawned bright and clear for once upon Onea's rugged terrain, and she was glad for it. With winter coming soon, it couldn't be long until the ground was blanketed in snow once again...and the herd would just have to huddle through another prolonged mountain winter then. And she was not looking forward to that.
The black mare slipped out the front door, locking her shop securely behind her. She knew she wasn't expecting any visitors today, which meant if she left the establishment for awhile, no one would notice too much. She noticed that the old windows on the second floor--her living quarters--looked a bit grimy, but she wasn't sure if there was much she could do about it. Plus, that wasn't the reason why she was going out today.
Kiger turned towards the heart of the merchants' district, listening to the quiet buzz of the market. She was hoping that someone down there might have some inspirational things for her to see or something nice to buy herself perhaps. The Forged preferred minimalism in terms of bling, but that didn't mean that they didn't have any at all. It was just...she didn't, for one. Never bothered, that was all.
The cobblestones clicked under hoof as she wandered deeper into the markets, passing some horses in temporary stalls who called to her and tried to make her look at so-and-so's fresh set of knives from who-knows-where or someone's recent poaching results. She declined them as best as she could, hurrying on her way to avoid their eager gaze.
She rounded a corner quickly and noticed a building with racks of dried food in the display area. In the shadows beyond, she thought she could almost spot the glimmer of something metallic. Curiosity piqued, the mare walked up to the door and gently pushed it open, setting off a traditional warning bell. Out of the sun, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the difference in lighting, but once they did, she noticed several things at once: a few aisles lined with hooks displaying all manner of simple jewelry, a large glass display case glimmering in the back and the pale-maned mare who undoubtedly must be the store owner.
Kiger shifted awkwardly before clearing her throat. "Hello, I've never met you before! What's your name? I'm Kiger, I have a small store at the edge of the district."
Post 1 WC 408 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 7, 2017 13:01:37 GMT -6
Starla looked up, hearing the bell above her door. "Hello Kiger, I'm Starla Bell, but you can just call me Starla." She smiled. "So, what may I do for you today?" She asked, before starting to head towards the counter. "And feel free to look around. If you have any questions, I can answer them." Starla added, still smiling at Kiger.
Word Count 61 Post 2
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 9, 2017 1:00:06 GMT -6
Kiger
The other shopkeeper introduced herself as Starla. Kiger was just thinking about how pretty her name was until she realized she had drifted off into a quiet daze. Hoping the other horse hadn't noticed the momentary awkward silence, she quickly said, "Oh! Hello, Starla. Your name is so pretty! It really suits you." She offered Starla a quick smile before getting distracted by something glimmering in the slanting sunlight. She dropped her head to get a better look, peering curiously at the intricate designs and little icons worked into the metallic surfaces. Compared to her own work, the black mare thought Starla's creations were definitely on a higher level than her own little drabbles. Kiger couldn't help but feel a slight tinge of jealousy at Starla's skill, which she quickly squashed down. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, she told herself. She just wasn't very good with metals. "These look rather Aodhian in style," she commented thoughtfully--then she wished she could take it back. What if the other mare took it as an insult? That would be a poor way to start any kind of relationship. "I-I don't mean anything bad by it," she stammered quickly. "It's just--in War Forged, it's so rare to see horses who use metals for things other than armor, you know? But I do love these beads--where did you get them from? They don't seem like they're from around here. You use some pretty interesting symbols in your work, too. Do they have certain meanings, or are they just for decoration?"
Post 2
WC 257 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 9, 2017 19:24:25 GMT -6
Starla laughed at Kiger's clear worry. "You're fine, dear. For the Aodhian style, I had started that piece for Killian to take to the other herds, however, I didn't quite finish it in time. My mother was a traveling Merchant, originally from Briem. She taught me everything she knew about jewelry making, and I've not changed much, aside from my own touches on the designs. For the beads, most come from the other herds. As part of our trade agreement, Killian buys some for me, when he sells some of my jewelry, along with other materials. For most of the metal ones, however, I forge those myself." Starla smiled "And finally, for the symbols. Most of them do have a meaning, along with the gems, and metals I used for them." Starla explained. "Is there a particular one that caught your eye, dear?" She asked, looking back at her, still smiling, clearly pleased by the interest.
Post 3 word count 156
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 11, 2017 0:25:04 GMT -6
Kiger
Kiger felt a flood of relief as Starla reassured her that she hadn't said anything wrong. She was more than interested in hearing about how Starla came by her wares, though."You know Killian too?" she asked, pricking her ears. Then she remembered that the little pegasus was a big traveler, never mind his short stature. It made sense that Starla would know him, she supposed. "Sorry, of course--I forgot he was a merchant," she admitted aloud. "I met him several months back, but it wasn't really for a trade agreement so much as we were both tagging along to find Si. You know, the first kirin that reincarnated in our region. Still can't believe they're back, really."She found the bit about Starla's mother being Briemian rather interesting but decided not to press it at the moment--she was much too focused with Starla's asking if she liked a particular one. Truth be told, they were all so lovely she had a bit of trouble keeping her eyes on just one. "They're all so lovely," she sighed in indecision. "But I rather like this one." She flashed a glint of dark blue teke around a circular pendant. It was a flat disc of silvery gray metal inlaid with shards of some kind of jewel arranged in a pattern, not unlike a rose. It hung from a leather cord with tassels and beads tied at regular intervals all around it, with a little clip at the ends for easy wear."How much would you say this one is?" she asked.
Post 3
WC 260 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 14, 2017 7:20:20 GMT -6
Starla stared at Kiger. "You've... Actually met one of the Kirins?" She was clearly astounded. "What were they like?" she asked eagerly. "As for that piece, It is thirty Crystal Shards. The pendant is made of silver and rose quartz, and I was taught that both of those symbolize unconditional love." Starla smiled. "The rose in the center is a pink rose due to the color of the rose quartz, and so it symbolizes love and gratitude." Starla continued to explain. "So, one could call it a love pendant." Starla chuckled slightly, smiling.
Post 4
Word Count 93
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 15, 2017 23:16:45 GMT -6
Kiger
The other mare was suddenly staring. Kiger could sense it--this was a natural prey instinct, after all--and she could also sense Starla's burning curiosity to know more. She inwardly related, straightening out slightly to glance longingly at another shiny piece before meeting the other mare's eyes. She wasn't entirely sure what she said that prompted the reaction; one ear flicked back before turning around again.
"You've... Actually met one of the Kirins? What were they like?"
Ah. That's what she said. Maybe I should watch myself a bit closer, she thought briefly. Everything just comes blurting out of me like a waterfall.
"Uh, well," she began slowly. "I don't speak for all of them of course...the one we encountered...well we were chasing him at first since he refused to stop running, so it wasn't entirely our fault. Then this ancient, gray stallion the size of a house--we met him after we got in the forest--he wanted to kill the poor guy when we caught him and the rest of us were like 'Are you crazy? It's not a deer, it's a kirin!' He was...super mad. But obviously, I'm not dead because clever, clever Killian made some kind of promise to him so they had headed off. This kirin though, since we saved him from what could've been a really messy death, he was rather grateful, but of course, he was still pretty nervous. Didn't seem to know much when we questioned him, so we brought him to Hira. Don't know what he's been up to since. He was gorgeous though--simple bay coat, but with a handsome black leopard appaloosa on his legs and rump. Most likely a chimera, I'd wager. Had some blood-red antlers and golden scales going from his poll to just before the shoulderblade. His mane and tail--surprisingly, he had a lion-like tail like some unicorns do--well, the hair was golden like his scales, just a tad more orange warmth. He was really quite something. Pity he couldn't remember much and chose to just follow orders though."
She listened to Starla describing the pendant she'd had her eye on. "Ah, unconditional love huh?" She automatically thought of her long-lost mother. The mare had been the most important--and pretty much only--figure in the majority of her early life. Kiger had never considered getting something as a memoir, though...
"Thirty shards eh?" she asked. "Let me just--" She stopped abruptly in a panic, realizing that of all the things she managed to do today, she had completely forgotten to bring along some money. "Oh, by the gods!" she yelped in embarrassment and dismay. "Of all the things, I completely forgot to bring some shards with me today. What kind of shopper am I even? Super sorry about that--would you mind holding it for me? I'd quite like to get it--when I'm less scattered, of course." She offered Starla a sheepish grin.
Post 4
WC 485 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 16, 2017 7:41:14 GMT -6
"Hmm, maybe one day, some of them may decide to wander into town," Starla replied. "And of course I can hold it for you." Starla smiled. "Bring it up to the counter." She said, heading back to it herself. It was a simple counter, with a drawer for shards towards the back of the space. The entire front and sides of the counter were made of thick glass, allowing one to see within. And inside, where some of the most exquisite pieces, most of them elegant and simple, but occasionally, one would spot one that was more intricute.
None of these pieces were alike, nor did they have the same look as Starla's pieces did. They seemed to have been made by a different horse.
Post 5
Word Count 125
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 16, 2017 23:45:29 GMT -6
Kiger
"Perhaps one will," Kiger agreed. She gently lifted the necklace from where it hung on display with a soft glow of dark blue telekinesis. The beads clicked quietly together as she followed Starla towards a back counter. She carefully laid the necklace down on the glass with a light clatter, the teke flickering out of sight as she did so.
While Starla did her thing, Kiger peered through the thick glass counter at the objects inside, squinting a bit to focus her eyesight. Beyond the glass, she saw a series of simple, yet elegant sculptures made of various types of material. One seemed to resemble a carved wave, made of glistening lacquered wood. Another resembled ivy climbing over a stone and appeared to be carved from some kind of mineral. Other pieces looked almost like miniature landscapes, and a few didn't seem to look much like anything in particular, but still looked very beautiful. A few sculptures had a gem or two inlaid in specific locations for an additional effect, yet still very minimal compared to the types of artisan works imported from other herds. The more she studied them as Starla made the necessary arrangements, the more she began to think that these weren't like any of the jewelry the other shopkeeper seemed to make. The styling was different, and Starla had no sculptures--only jewelry...
"Ah, excuse me--Starla?" she asked. "If I may ask...are these for sale too, or? And, uh, who made these lovely sculptures?" She tilted her head in inquiry.
Hopefully, she was right in assuming that some other horse had made them. Otherwise, it'd be yet another one of her majorly embarrassing statements.
Post 5
WC 279 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 17, 2017 20:06:35 GMT -6
Starla glanced at where Kiger had looked. "Ah... No, those are not for sale..." She replied. "They are just calming for me to look at, when I'm lonely... And my mother made them. Sculpting was one of the last things she was still able to do... I never really caught on to that art though." Starla gave a small laugh, although there was a note of sadness hanging off her voice.
Post 6
Word count 71
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 22, 2017 20:24:26 GMT -6
Kiger
"Ah... No, those are not for sale...," the other mare was explaining, patiently. "They are just calming for me to look at, when I'm lonely... And my mother made them. Sculpting was one of the last things she was still able to do... I never really caught on to that art though." The thought ended with a sad-sounding laugh. Or at least, Kiger thought it sounded a bit fake but she wasn't about to just say that for Alya's sake...
"Oh...well yeah, uh, of course--," she mumbled awkwardly. She shuffled her feet a little on the hard floor, the movement more as a desperate grab for a distraction than anything else, really. What was she supposed to say after that? Why had she asked such an insensitive question? It was only a merchant's question, she reasoned, but it still felt kind of wrong...considering the circumstances, at least.
An earlier thought returned as she watched Starla finish her task. She swallowed uncomfortably, hoping her bad memories wouldn't surface at the wrong moment, and hesitantly tried to say, "If I may ask...you know...as the therapy medics say...um..." She automatically glanced behind her through a store window, but without actually seeing the passing horses outside.
"If it wouldn't be, ah, too much to ask or anything--" she felt that if someone were to ask her what she was about to ask Starla, she might end up with some kind of meltdown but it would be temporary, just temporary--
"Starla...what happened to your mother?"
Post 6
WC 260 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 22, 2017 21:21:04 GMT -6
"You... Didn't hear? It was all others could talk about for a few months..." Starla replied. "Well, then heres what happened... I've had to tell so many it, that it doesn't hurt as much." Starla gave a small chuckle. "WHen I was young, my mother and I were travelling merchants, although only in Onea. I was not strong enough to defend myself, and nor did my mother wish to ask for help from my grandfather, or at least more than he had already granted.
one day, we were searching a cave for some gems, and I found some... I went to pull them out, and well... I triggerd a cave-in. We got out... but my mother had been hit by the debri... She was never the same after that. She couldn't hear.. Of course, for a time, neither could I, but my ears healed... hers didn't. She stopped speaking, and she did not have the focus to make jewelry... So she focused on sculpting. As more time passed, she lost more and more of her mind to those injuries... She eventually could do nothing on her own, and I had to support and take care of her... And I did. Until one day, she vanished, like my father had, soon after I was born... Both of them are assumed dead now. I at least, still have my shop and my talent. Even if a true family is what I lack... Besides, The Earth Mother Kaia has blessed me with the strength to prevent such a tragedy from occuring to anyone else I care about..." Starla trailed off, before speaking again. "Although I will admit, sometimes it is painful, thinking about what might have been. My mother used to tell me stories of the other herds, and promised that one day, she would show them to me. But that, alas, was not to be, unfortunatly... But I'm content here. At least I don't have to worry about thieves or cultists killing me, right?" Starla smiled slightly, although it was clear her mind was elsewhere, based on the look in her eyes.
Word count 350
Post 7
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Post by IcefireStarfire on Aug 28, 2017 0:07:03 GMT -6
Kiger
"You... Didn't hear? It was all others could talk about for a few months..."
Kiger's mind whirled, thinking back, counting the number of years in her head. Had she simply missed this event? She felt a prickle of guilt run down her spine. She would've been in her early twenties at the time if she remembered right... She scraped a hoof awkwardly on the floor. I really need to pay more attention to things, she thought uncomfortably.
She listened attentively as Starla cautiously summarized her story--she couldn't help but wince when Starla retold the cave incident. She was beginning to wonder if it had been a good idea to ask such a personal question in the first place.
"By the gods!" she murmured. "That sounds absolutely dreadful. But you're definitely safe here. Skeldr has Shields to protect us! We will never lose--" She stopped abruptly. Old memories threatened to surface in her mind, and she struggled to shut them out. But Starla had told her story, and it was only fair that Kiger shared hers, right? She shifted her weight a little, trying to think of the best way she could tell her story without her memories swallowing her up.
"You know...I'm a bit relieved I'm not the only one who was, uh, left behind," she started carefully. "As far as I know, I've got no other family here. I don't really remember my father. Mother said he disappeared when I was young... She used to take me to the Flower Festival every year and taught me most of the things I know. But I--we got...attacked...on the way home one year..." A muted scream flashed through her memory, and she flattened her ears and squeezed her eyes shut for a moment to block it out. "As far as I know, they could've been slave traders," she muttered darkly. "She made me come here since it was closer. I guess...I guess I lost my mom that day. A kind Shield took me to a medic who fostered me for a few years until I found my own profession. I miss her too." Kiger's heart twisted in her chest at the memory.
Post 7
WC 365 |
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Post by misttheelf on Aug 30, 2017 11:00:41 GMT -6
Starla came out from behind the counter and gently gave Kiger a hug. "It's horrible, what's happened to you. And as for what happened to me... I have gained strngth from it, and I hope that you'll gain strangth from your misfortunes as well. Perhaps one day, slavery in Aodh will end, hm? Several familys will be made whole once more if that hapens." Starla gave a small sigh. "I wonder where their practice ever began... And why they practice it still... It's cruel and untasteful, honestly, and I've only ever heard of it." She commented. "And it's why I always help those I can." Starla gave a small smile. "Well, on that note, I will see you again when you remember your shard pouch." Starla gave a small laugh. "It's been a pleasure talking with you, Kiger."
WC: 138
Post 8
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